From left to right: U.S. Olympians River Radamus, Isabella Wright, Thomas Ford.
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From left to right: U.S. Olympians River Radamus, Isabella Wright, Thomas Ford. / Getty Images for USOPC

BEIJING — Before heading to the Olympics, athletes may get a haircut or their highlights retouched to look their best as they compete in front of the entire world.

U.S. alpine skier River Radamus took it all a step further before competing in the Beijing Winter Olympics in alpine skiing events, including Tuesday's super-G race.

The 23-year-old cut and dyed his hair into the pattern of a zebra — a decision he let up to his Instagram followers, according to Olympics.com.

"I wanted to do it so those who support me have a part in my experience at the Games," he said.

It's also a reminder not to take himself too seriously.

"I get to play a game for a living so I want to make sure to enjoy it and not let the pressure or expectations take away my love for it," he said.

It's not the first time Radamus underwent a transformation ahead of a major competition.

Prior to the Soelden Alpine Ski World Cup, Radamus dyed his hair into a snow leopard pattern — a look inspired by former U.S. Olympic downhill skier Chad Fleischer, Radamus told the U.S. Ski Team.

U.S. alpine skier River Radamus dyed his hair into a snow leopard pattern ahead of the men's Giant Slalom event during the FIS Ski Alpine World Cup in Soelden, Austria.
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U.S. alpine skier River Radamus dyed his hair into a snow leopard pattern ahead of the men's Giant Slalom event during the FIS Ski Alpine World Cup in Soelden, Austria. / AFP via Getty Images

"I wanted to carry that tradition forward, and carry that, sort of like, free spirit American-style forward," he said.

Before taking on the animal-inspired looks, in prior competitions he rocked a self-described "mullet bowl" and dyed his hair blue and green.

The 2022 Winter Games is Radamus' first time competing at the Olympic level. He is a three-time Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games champion.

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